The phrase "replica Patek Philippe 720" appears in listings for counterfeit watches. Patek Philippe does not publish a current catalog reference 720. The brand's public catalog uses other four and five digit numbers, such as 5711, 5227, and 5167. A "720" listing is a seller label, not a Patek Philippe designation. Treat the number as unverified until it appears on the manufacturer's own site.
What the term covers
Replica sellers attach reference numbers to signal which genuine model a copy imitates. A listing labeled 720 may point to a vintage case shape, a ladies' model, or a number the seller made up. With no matching entry in Patek Philippe's catalog, there is no confirmed watch the copy is meant to resemble.
Grades and price bands
Sellers sort replicas into grades and price them in three bands.
- Low grade: quartz movement, plated base metal case, mineral glass. Price range $20 to $80.
- Mid grade: Chinese automatic movement, stainless steel case, sapphire crystal. Price range $100 to $300.
- High grade: decorated movement, closer case dimensions, cloned dial printing. Price range $400 to $1,000 and above.
No grade matches Patek Philippe finishing. The Patek Philippe Seal covers hand finishing, rate testing, and movement decoration. Shops that assemble replica cases do not run those steps.
Legal status in the United States
Counterfeit watches are illegal to import and to sell in the US. Trafficking in counterfeit goods carries criminal penalties under 18 U.S.C. 2320, including prison time and fines. Trademark owners can file civil suits under the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. 1114 and 1125. US Customs and Border Protection seizes counterfeit watches at ports of entry under 19 U.S.C. 1526. Seized goods are destroyed. The buyer loses the money paid and receives nothing.
Service, warranty, and resale
Patek Philippe service centers do not accept counterfeit watches. No manufacturer warranty applies. Parts for a copied movement come from the same aftermarket supply that made the watch. Resale value differs from the genuine market: auction results for real Patek Philippe references sit at or above retail, while counterfeit watches resell for a small share of the price paid.
How to check a reference number
- Search the number on patek.com. If the reference is not listed, the number is not part of the current catalog.
- Ask an authorized dealer to confirm the reference and the model name.
- Request the case number and movement number. Patek Philippe offers an Extract from the Archives for watches it produced.
- Compare the price. Genuine Patek Philippe watches sell for thousands of dollars. A listing at $300 is not a genuine watch.
Unknown points
No public record confirms that Patek Philippe ever produced a reference 720. Any claim that it did should be checked against the brand's own catalog or a dealer before money changes hands.